🇧🇩 Everything about the interim government and its actions

[Saif]

A paradigm shift is needed for a new Bangladesh

Paradigm shifts on a large scale involve the transformation of society.

www.thedailystar.net

A paradigm shift is needed for a new Bangladesh

Thousands of students took part in the Shaheedi March in remembrance of the martyrs of the July revolution, in Dhaka, on September 5, 2024. Photo: Amran Hossain

Bangladesh is often emotionally referred to as a "new Bangladesh" today. This new identity has been shaped by a lot of pride, sacrifice, and bloodshed. It is akin to the rebirth of a nation, one that emerged after a bloody revolution to overthrow an autocratic and brutal government.

The former regime blatantly disregarded human rights, manipulated institutions, and allowed rampant corruption and torture throughout society, including against political opposition. It turned key institutions—financial, educational, judicial and political—into tools of oppression. Society had been systemically dismantled, like the Ayyam al-Jahilliyyah (the pre-Islamic period of ignorance in Mecca).

When the students peacefully demonstrated for equity and non-discrimination in employment, the government brutally suppressed them—leading to a bloodshed. This triggered a nationwide uprising and the birth of a new Bangladesh.

What is the new Bangladesh?

When the very fabric of a society—social, economic, institutional structures such as religious, cultural, sports, civil, and military administration—is destroyed and banks are plundered, one can easily imagine what is needed to build a new country out of these ruins.

It is not simply about reforming or restructuring some areas in a non-systematic manner. It requires a holistic and systems-based approach to inspire and implement reforms across different sectors.

During this period of transition, we have to build a Bangladesh in which equal rights, diversity, justice, and access to all are ensured. This is not a short-term project. There should be a national plan which must include short-term, mid-term, and long-term visions. Such a transformation cannot be accomplished by the interim government alone, it requires the participation of all political parties.

It is unrealistic to expect that the interim government can complete this task very quickly. Their primary responsibility is to set the wheels of change in motion and then hand over power to an elected government that will work to realise the people's aspirations for this new Bangladesh.

I call this movement to realise the aspirations of the Bangladeshi people the "paradigm shift."

What is a paradigm shift?

A paradigm shift refers to a fundamental change in the way people think, perceive, and understand concepts, theories, or practices. It demands a transformation in norms and values, covering various fields such as science, philosophy, culture, sociology, politics, religion, or technology. Paradigm shifts lead people to act and think differently, develop new perspectives, and embrace innovation and discovery. Sometimes, they give birth to entirely new societies. In our case, I believe a new society is indeed being born, and everything that comes with it represents a paradigm shift.

Paradigm shifts on a large scale involve the transformation of society. These shifts require a combination of strategic planning, adaptability, and people's willingness to evolve.

Steps to implement a paradigm shift

The first step in implementing a paradigm shift is to conduct internal audits of key areas to assess the current state of operations, identify weaknesses or failures, document them, and initiate remedies to align changes with the overall mission.

Adopting such a shift involves actions such as initiating and encouraging corrective processes by changing the environment to promote creativity. This includes experimentation, innovation, and learning in areas like education, strategy, reward systems, evaluations, and incentives. It is also crucial to invest in education, re-skilling citizens, and equipping them with the necessary skills to thrive in the new environment.

More detailed efforts involve investing in research to cultivate intellectual capital and develop a thinking society. To achieve inclusion and diversity, fostering global collaboration is essential. This means engaging with other nations to share knowledge, best practices, and resources, and departing from traditional approaches.

To build resilience and adaptability, society must adopt coping mechanisms to deal with unexpected challenges and leverage technology and data to drive informed decision-making. Furthermore, a society experiencing moral decay must rejuvenate itself by revisiting ethical and moral values, aligning them with the people's expectations and leadership visions at all levels. This is critical to restoring trust and respect in society.

Government and strategic focus

Government and strategic planners should focus on revisiting economic models to align with the new paradigm. This may involve shifts from traditional capitalism to newer models such as social capitalism, green capitalism, or stakeholder capitalism. Dr Yunus, for example, promotes social and green capitalism, and some of his cabinet members advocate for social business. He has proposed a double or triple bottom line for evaluating success at the national, institutional, and individual levels, going beyond GDP to measure overall well-being.

In addition, our performance in regards to the following should also be reassessed:

a) Adoption of modern technologies

b) Globalisation and trade policies, including tariffs, agreements, gig-economics

c) Remote work, automation, and alternative labour markets

d) Environmental policies and their influence on business practices and consumer behaviour

e) Addressing evolving societal attitudes toward inequality, diversity, social justice, and corporate social responsibility

f) Reforms in tax laws, monetary policies, and regulatory frameworks

g) Investment in new industries and business models, fostering entrepreneurial ecosystems

h) Accommodating the voices and visions of Gen Z.

Mawdudur Rahman, PhD is professor emeritus, Suffolk University, Boston, US.​

 

[Saif]

Bangabandhu’s family protection law abolished

The “Father of the Nation Family Members’ Security Act, 2009” which was enacted to provide security for Bangabandhu's family has been abolished

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Bangabandhu’s family protection law abolished

The "Father of the Nation Family Members' Security Act, 2009" which was enacted to provide security for Bangabandhu's family has been abolished.

The president issued the "Father of the Nation Family Members' Security (Abolishment) Ordinance, 2024," repealing the 2009 act.

The ordinance draft was approved by the advisory council on August 29.

On August 25, a writ petition was filed in the High Court challenging the legality of the act as well as the Special Security Force Act, 2021.

The Advisory Council's approval noted that the 2009 Act was implemented under the previous government's decision, with a gazette issued on May 15, 2015, granting special security and privileges exclusively to one family.​

 

[Saif]

Eager to work with Prof Yunus-led interim government: US

The United States has trashed the speculation on US involvement in the recent student-led anti-government protests in Bangladesh

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Eager to work with Prof Yunus-led interim government: US

The United States has trashed the speculation on US involvement in the recent student-led anti-government protests in Bangladesh.

"We continue to be ready and eager to work with interim government that's led by Dr Muhammad Yunus as it charts its democratic future for the people of Bangladesh," Deputy Principal Spokesperson Vedant Patel told reporters at a regular briefing in Washington yesterday (September 9).

He said they are continuing to monitor the developments in Bangladesh closely.

Drawing his attention, one of the reporters said there have been claims about Chinese influence in Bangladeshi recent student protests.

In reply, Patel said he is just not going to speculate.

The reporter said some Indian media outlets have suggested US involvement in the anti-government protest in Bangladesh while India has historically been a close ally of the ousted government.

Patel said he has not seen those reports. "But what I can unequivocally say is that they are not true. That's probably why I've not seen them," he added.​

 

[Saif]

US plans talks on economy with Bangladesh leader Muhammad Yunus, FT says

The United States is set to launch economic talks this week with Bangladesh's interim government, including its leader, Muhammad Yunus, the Financial Times reported on Tuesday

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US plans talks on economy with Bangladesh leader Muhammad Yunus, FT says

File photo

The United States is set to launch economic talks this week with Bangladesh's interim government, including its leader, Muhammad Yunus, the Financial Times reported on Tuesday.

The government led by the Nobel Peace laureate was sworn in last month with the aim of holding elections in the South Asian nation after the ouster of prime minister Sheikh Hasina following deadly protests against quotas for government jobs.

"The United States is optimistic that, by implementing needed reforms, Bangladesh can address its economic vulnerabilities and build a foundation for continued growth and increased prosperity," Brent Neiman, assistant U.S. Treasury secretary for international finance, told the newspaper.

A delegation of treasury, state and trade officials, is expected to discuss Bangladesh's fiscal and monetary policy and also the health of its financial system, the paper said.

The talks will be held on Saturday and Sunday in the capital, Dhaka, it added.

Officials in Bangladesh's finance ministry and Yunus' office said they were not aware of the visit.

Bangladesh's $450-billion economy has slowed sharply since the Russia-Ukraine war pushed up prices of fuel and food imports, forcing it to turn to the International Monetary Fund last year for a $4.7-billion bailout.​

 

[Saif]

RMG, Pharma industries to be taken to peak of their potential: Prof Yunus

Acknowledging the pains of workers, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus today said the government wants to take the pharmaceutical and garment industries to their potential peak and there is no question of weakening these two key industries

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RMG, Pharma industries to be taken to peak of their potential: Prof Yunus

File photo of Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus

Acknowledging the pains of workers, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus today said the government wants to take the pharmaceutical and garment industries to their potential peak and there is no question of weakening these two key industries.

"The pharmaceutical and garment industries are the pride of the country. Through this, our workers' brothers and sisters and their efficiency have impressed the world. Its success has now been hindered. We want to remove the obstacles by identifying the problems of these two industries," he said.

In a televised speech to the nation marking the first month of the interim government, Prof Yunus said they will gather foreign buyers and seek their cooperation so that these two industries of Bangladesh can become more reliable than other countries in the world.

"Everything is possible if we can make the labor-owner relationship a reliable and enjoyable one," he said.

He said the first month of the government has passed and from the second month they want to start a new labor-owner relationship as part of building a new Bangladesh.

"It is desired by everyone in the country. We are working towards that goal so that the new generation of the country can move forward with their future without fear," Prof Yunus said.

The nobel laureate said they have many responsibilities. "We have to work together on a number of issues to build a just society," he said.​

 

[Saif]

Relationship with neighbours should be based on fairness, equality: Prof Yunus

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday reiterated that they want good relations with India and other neighbouring countries. But, he said, that relationship should be based on fairness and equality. "With India, we have already started discussions on high-level bilateral cooperation

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Relationship with neighbours should be based on fairness, equality: Prof Yunus
Published :
Sep 11, 2024 21:05
Updated :
Sep 11, 2024 21:15

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday reiterated that they want good relations with India and other neighbouring countries.

But, he said, that relationship should be based on fairness and equality.

"With India, we have already started discussions on high-level bilateral cooperation in dealing with floods," Prof Yunus said in a televised speech in the evening marking the first month of his government.

He said he has taken the initiative to revive the SAARC grouping of nations with a view to enhancing regional cooperation in South Asia, UNB reports.

Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif are among the heads of government that have had telephone conversations with him, Prof Yunus said.

After assuming office, Prof Yunus said, the Heads of Government of various countries congratulated him over the telephone and sent greetings.

Ambassadors and high commissioners stationed in Dhaka met him and assured him of strengthening bilateral cooperation.

“At my request, the government of the United Arab Emirates announced amnesty to 57 Bangladeshis who were sentenced to various terms of imprisonment for participating in anti-fascist protests,” Prof Yunus said.

Some of them have already returned to the country. “It’s very rare.”

Prof Yunus said they want the country to be known with respect to the world as a democratic country.​

 

[Saif]

Business community's voice needed in the interim government

It is necessary for keeping the wheels of growth running and attracting foreign investment in the new Bangladesh.

www.thedailystar.net

Business community's voice needed in the interim government
It is necessary for growth and attracting foreign investment

The warehouse of a factory in Gazipur was set on fire on September 11, 2024, highlighting the need for increased security in industrial areas. PHOTO: COLLECTED

On September 9, in The Daily Star's roundtable discussion with business leaders, including those from the manufacturing, banking and fast job-producing IT sectors, urgent appeals were made to the interim government for help. First and foremost was the need for security. The disappearance of police from the scene and the overall lack of security in the industrial zones led to desperate appeals for army presence to ensure law and order.

They specified five industrial belts: Ashulia, Narayanganj, Narsingdi, Chattogram, and Cumilla. These five zones constitute our crucial industrial base that must be protected with the highest priority. Normally, they wouldn't ask for the army's help, but they feel it to be an urgent necessity because of the power vacuum that has been caused by the sudden political change that we recently experienced.

Along with the physical protection of the above areas, what has been emphasised is the restoration of law and order in general. The truth is that, because of their role during the past regime, police now suffer from a severe backlash for which they hesitate to go to public places and take firm action when needed. This obviously sends out wrong signals to the criminal elements who are creating havoc in our factories.

With the sudden fall of a regime who appeared to have had endless unaccounted for power, there now exists a crisis of governance of sorts. The hatred towards police due to their partisan use has been multiplied a thousand times by their trigger-happy colleagues who killed more than a thousand students and citizens, and injured thousands more, as initial official estimates show. Our border guards—BGB—who have no training in crowd control or how to deal with mass protests, were used, which added to the death toll on the streets of Dhaka and the rest of the country. This has resulted in a tremendous anger and desire for revenge against the previous regimes and their henchmen: the politicians. Included in this is a section of the business community who did nothing but exploit their political connections to loot the country. This is exemplified by the so-called private sector adviser of the former regime, who could have been better termed "personal sector representative," as he never worked for the overall benefit of the private sector and used his privileged position to advance his own interest and those of his cronies.

This, however, led to an overall impression of the private sector as a product of undue privilege. This narrative is influencing both a section of our society, especially the young people, and some within the government, giving the impression that the interim government is not fully cognisant of the private sector's role in advancing, modernising and driving the economy as a whole. The fact that there is no representative from the private sector in the interim government is considered by many to be indicative of the above mindset. For the sake of our immediate and long-term growth, this has to change—and immediately so. We urge the interim government to appoint an adviser from the private sector.

An important fact that has to be remembered is that not the entire private sector was the recipient of the former regime's largesse. Only a section of them influenced policies that favoured only them. There is a large number of businessmen who suffered because they refused to toe the line. They did not default on loans. They paid their due taxes and yet got constantly harassed. The distinction between the genuine private sector and the crony entrepreneurs must be urgently and seriously made.

Regardless of the background of their owners, factories are national assets. How they built them must be a big factor in dealing with them, but what they built with personal assets or bank loans cannot be viewed as anything other than the collective wealth of Bangladesh. That particular viewpoint appears to have been put in the background. This is evidenced by reactions to factories owned by individuals close to the former ruling party or whose wealth has been a direct result of cronyism, undue favours, dubious tax breaks, and illegal practices that should have nothing to do with doing proper business.

Yes, none of them would probably have been anywhere near the wealth they accumulated without their political connection, yet their production facilities cannot be treated as "enemy properties" and burnt down, as has been the case for several industries. The direct impact of such action is the threat to the jobs of workers. The vandalism and looting of stocks and raw materials, and in many cases of the machinery and its spare parts, clearly indicate the involvement of elements for whom national interest is of least concern.

With all the nepotism, corruption, looting of the national exchequer, and power abuse, Bangladesh's economy has grown. However flawed it is, with all its inner weaknesses, we increased exports—some would question the undeserved subsidies and tax facilities that were given—and captured new markets, and brought in technologies to make new products, thus expanding our export markets. Take the latest statistics (some of which needs to be more thoroughly verified), there is strong and undeniable evidence of our advancing economy.

The country is now poised for some fundamental changes. While the talk about a new constitution or serious amendments to the old one has been going on, a similar discussion for changes in the economy has not been that forthcoming.

We need fundamental reforms in the way we do business. To attract FDI and increase local investment, we need urgent reforms in the banking laws and regulations. To start with, we must make the professional management of banks mandatory and introduce international practices in regulating the role of bank directors who think of themselves as "owners" of the banks and not small shareholders, with the depositors being the main owners.

The practice of protecting the depositors' rights must immediately be introduced. It's the directors that can be held as mostly responsible for destroying the banking system.

We must investigate why we have not been able to attract FDI over the past decades in spite of our economy's growth. Mega-corruption was of course a big factor. Too many laws are in operation that inhibits entrepreneurship. Bureaucratic hassle, land registration issues, and the overall delay in getting things done all contribute to the lack of efficiency in our system, which must be changed if we are to realise our potential.

We must remember when people or companies invest either in one's own or in a foreign country, it's their own wealth—or borrowed from banks—that they are investing. We should allow them to make legitimate profits and prevent them from profiteering. The precondition for this to work is an intangible element called confidence, which comes from a whole set of factors, such as the legal framework, business practices, political interference, corruption, and bringing those who break the law to justice. Many foreign investors came to Bangladesh, and after waiting several years, they left because they felt we are not dependable in terms of business stability. This is not to say that foreign investors have no flaws—sometimes they push investment in areas that are not our priority or in terms that do not suit us—but the overriding need for them cannot be ignored. If state-controlled countries like China and Vietnam can attract huge FDI, why can't we who practise market economy? The reason is that they are able to generate that intangible factor that we referred to earlier: confidence.

It is our hope that the new Bangladesh, headed by a man of vision and integrity and with unrivalled global respect, and driven by the energy and honesty of the young people with the wholehearted support and confidence of the public, will be able to create that vital trust and necessary confidence both within the nation and among the international community, and we will be able to build a democratic, equitable and rights-based future.

Mahfuz Anam is the editor and publisher of The Daily Star.​

 

[Saif]

Interim govt to focus on use of foreign funds

The interim government will focus more on using foreign funds and implementing human resource development projects rather than spending money on building infrastructure.

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Interim govt to focus on use of foreign funds
Ecnec meeting chaired by Yunus decides to move away from spending on infrastructure

Photo: BSS

The interim government will focus more on using foreign funds and implementing human resource development projects rather than spending money on building infrastructure.

The decision came at a meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec), chaired by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus at his Tejgaon office yesterday.

After the meeting, Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud outlined the government's vision to journalists at the Planning Commission in the capital's Sher-e-Bangla Nagar.

He said the interim government will take a careful approach in revising the development budget set by the ousted Awami League government.

The Ecnec yesterday approved four projects, including two new ones, involving Tk 1,222 crore.

"Large amounts of foreign loans in the pipeline remain underutilised. We will put emphasis on using these funds," said Wahiduddin.

He said the government has assessed the $1 billion projects funded by the World Bank and those projects are now almost at a standstill.

The government can utilise this fund for budget support by December, said the planning adviser, quoting World Bank officials.

Wahiduddin said the government will concentrate on implementing the foreign-funded projects.

He said the country has made significant progress in infrastructure development over the last few years, but its investment in human resources, particularly in education and training, remains insufficient.

"We need to take some new initiatives promptly in these areas."

The Ecnec yesterday also approved a revised project titled "Bakhrabad-Meghnaghat-Haripur Gas Transmission Pipeline". It will ensure smooth supply of gas to the power plants.

The government has taken up a Tk 588 crore new project titled"Two Exploratory Wells (Sundalpur South-1 and Jamalur-1)".

This scheme will help increase the overall domestic gas production by the local companies instead of foreign firms. It will also reduce dependence on imported liquefied natural gas, said the planning adviser.

About downsizing the annual development programme (ADP), Wahiduddin said he cannot give a specific figure right now since the government is still uncertain about potential funding sources for budgetary expenditure.

He voiced concern about the domestic revenue collection during the recent political unrest.

The adviser expressed his satisfaction with the commitments from foreign lenders.

"All development partners, including the USAID, are showing a strong interest in financing the government's new development projects."

Both the bilateral and multilateral donors have committed to continuing their loans for the ongoing and new projects, he added.

Regarding new development projects, he said the government will move forward cautiously by evaluating the potential funding sources, and the revised ADP size will be determined in approximately five months.

The planning adviser vowed to stop waste and misuse of funds and curb corruption in the development projects. He said the government is also pursuinga plan to contain inflation.

About taking up and execution of projects, he said the ministries concerned will be empowered further so that the government can hold them accountable. The government will issue a circular in this regard.

Wahiduddin also announced that the government has postponed the steps to adopt the Ninth Five-year Plan.

"Once the next political government takes office, it will devise plans as per its vision and philosophy."

He said the five-year plan is a political document that portrays a party's vision. "We won't take any major political decision."

The Ecnec yesterday okayed a Tk 400 crore new project titled "Sustainable Social Services Delivery in Chattogram Hill Tracts (2nd Phase)". It also gave the go-ahead to another revised project namely "Tottho Apa: Empowering Women Through ICT Towards Digital Bangladesh Project".​

 

[Saif]

Perceptions on interim government

THE months of July-August 2024 emerged as remarkable on many counts. To say the least, the months marked the end of an era where, allegedly, ‘ development of underdevelopment’ was the order of the day. This was driven by the distorted socio-economic and political policies of the Awami League...

www.newagebd.net

Perceptions on interim government
Abdul Bayes 19 September, 2024, 00:00

THE months of July-August 2024 emerged as remarkable on many counts. To say the least, the months marked the end of an era where, allegedly, ‘ development of underdevelopment’ was the order of the day. This was driven by the distorted socio-economic and political policies of the Awami League government. After one and a half decades of alleged ‘grievous governance’ and ‘electoral manipulations’ for clinging to power, the regime felt fiercely apart under a student-led, fiery mass uprising. This paved the way for an interim government to power. And, the newly positioned interim government is headed by the earlier regime’s much-hated Dr Mohammad Yunus.

It is only a month or so that the interim government has taken over responsibilities. An evaluation of this government’s activities at this tiny time span would possibly be tantamount to premature and albeit inappropriate exercise. Had it been 100 days or 3 months in office, we could possibly make an assessment of the activities carried out by the present government.

But then, within this shortest time, there is some good news to celebrate; it is surprising that few silver lining steps are afoot, such as attempts at streamlining the fragile financial sector, reducing duties on some essential commodities, earnest eagerness to bring back the laundered money and to bring to book the launderers, attempts on the way to get back the looted money from the banks by unscrupulous business groups, formation of six commissions for reforms in six areas, etc. Side by side, the deteriorating law and order situation, growing hooliganism and toll collections, inflation, and anarchy in educational institutions could blur positive steps.

Interestingly, the Bangladesh Institute of Governance and Development of BRAC University has very recently conducted a nation-wide survey on the public’s perceptions about the most recent national event’. BIGD’s survey was titled ‘Pulse Survey August 2024: A Reflection of Optimism and Endorsement in the Context of a Polycrisis’.

The just-published ‘Pulse Survey: August 2024’ aims to throw light on Bangladeshis’ perception of the political and economic atmosphere of the country from the date the Awami regime fell to date. The survey collected data from 2,363 men and women from all districts through a telephone survey.

Dr Imran Matin, executive director of BIGD, is of the view that , ‘a credible perception survey is important for the practice of deliberative democracy. We will be conducting regular pulse surveys till December 2024 to create a longitudinal picture of citizens’ perceptions on the performance of the interim government.’

The survey results show that a majority of the people are positive about the political and economic direction of the country under the interim government. ‘However, we’ve seen such positive reactions during previous uprisings, such as the 1971 liberation war, the 90’s anti-authoritarian movement, etc, and we have also seen the eventual loss of hope. Citizens want reform, but real reform is only possible if we change our mentality and internalise the ethos of never ever again let anyone take away our democracy.’

Considering the political situation in July-August this year, 71 per cent of the respondents believe that Bangladesh is on the correct path, and 12 per cent cited a wrong path. The findings are in sharp contrast with the findings from the Asia Foundation-BIGD survey in January 2024, when just 43 per cent of people expressed optimism about Bangladesh’s political future, while 41 per cent expressed pessimism. ‘The inflation in political optimism among the public reflected in the August Pulse Survey is most likely based on aspirations from the interim government, rather than being based on their experiences with it’.

Whether Bangladesh was heading in the right or wrong direction economically, 60 per cent responded in the affirmative, while 27 per cent said it was otherwise. In contrast, in the previous survey in January 2024, only about one-third felt optimistic, while nearly two-thirds felt pessimistic, thus indicating complex dynamics and polycrisis.

In the Pulse Survey, 40 per cent of the respondents said that economic issues, including price hikes, business downturns, etc, are the biggest problem of the country at present — a sharp decline from January 2024, when 69 per cent said so. Further, the Pulse Survey in August reflects concerns about a diversity of concurrent issues in a manner not seen in January 2024. While the economy is still the predominant issue, 15 per cent of respondents in the August survey said flooding is the country’s biggest problem, 13 per cent mentioned political unrest and intolerance, and 7 per cent said the deterioration of law and order is concerning. When asked if crime increased in August in comparison to other months (due to the fall of government), 72 per cent said no, and 25 per cent said yes. On a similar question about the relative increase in violence, 75 per cent said no, and 23 per cent said yes.

If they supported the quota-reform movement’s transformation into the one-point demand, an overwhelming majority — 83 per cent — said they supported the movement’s transformation. Again, 38 per cent of respondents thought the government should stay in power for three or more years, while 24 per cent thought six months or less would be fine. Furthermore, 9 per cent of respondents said they would prefer the government to hold power for two years, and 11 per cent said a maximum of one year. ‘However, most respondents — 81 per cent — felt the government should stay in power as long as it needs to do the necessary reforms in order to hold a free and fair election.

When asked about their thoughts on banning party-affiliated student politics, 81 per cent of respondents appeared affirmative and 84 per cent liked a ban on party-affiliated teachers’ politics on campus. ‘The data are indicative of just how much the public’s mood has soured over the unending cycle of corruption and violence in our educational institutions incited by party-affiliated politics, especially by institutional power. And the public feels the necessity to root out the patronage networks that enabled this corruption and violence for so long’.

The first demand from the interim government before the election is economic reform (32 per cent) including a demand for a price reduction, market regulation, employment generation and other economic reforms, followed by 17 per cent demanding political and electoral reforms, and 12 per cent demanding the rule of law, which includes reform of the law, freeing the judiciary from political control, and reforming police and other forces.

When asked how they would rate, between 0 and 100, the reform efforts so far by the current interim government, respondents provided a rating of 75 on average. The dominant mood right now is optimism. Despite different concerns and worries, 53 per cent of survey respondents feel optimistic about the country’s future, both political and economic, while just 13 per cent feel pessimistic. With the fall of the previous authoritarian regime, the current political climate instils among the citizens hope for a better future for the country after a long time.

Abdul Bayes, a former professor of economics and vice-chancellor, Jahangirnagar University, is now an adjunct faculty at East West University.​

 

[Saif]

Ali Riaz named head of Constitutional Reform Commission

Distinguished Professor of Politics and Government at Illinois State University Ali Riaz has been named as head of Constitutional Reform Commission, replacing Supreme Court lawyer Shahdeen Malik. The Cabinet Division announced this in a notification on Wednesday.

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Ali Riaz named head of Constitutional Reform Commission
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Sep 18, 2024 17:47
Updated :
Sep 18, 2024 17:47

Distinguished Professor of Politics and Government at Illinois State University Ali Riaz has been named as head of Constitutional Reform Commission, replacing Supreme Court lawyer Shahdeen Malik.

The Cabinet Division announced this in a notification on Wednesday.​